Way betterer this year ... Chilterns Winter Bivvy

[RIP]

Plainly there will be no wise men on the scene though. Wise ones would be staying at home in front of the fire.....

[Zippy]

So my freehub was failing over the winter bivvy – possibly because it was so cold and I’d freshly rebuilt it again after the BB200 where I was a bit worried it might not get me to the end! I have a spare wheel in hand (crafty ebay purchase), so don’t really wanna risk a dead freehub that only freewheels in both directions.

Now the catch is, I’m not 100% sure when I’m going to get a chance to sort this – I haven’t really unpacked properly from the Yorkshire winter bivvy yet, and I’m a bit pushed for time over the week – so this is also going to be hit and miss me making it. I should be able to sort myself all out Saturday morning…

[TheBrownDog]

Wouldn't be the same without you Zippy. You can borrow my lad's jump bike if you like ... 160mm fork, no front brake, super strong wheel-set, ultra wide bars and a frame built from bridge girders. Not like he's using it this weekend.

[BigdummySteve]

Hi zippy, if your running boost I’ve a 27.5+ wheel going spare or a 142 29er (no tyre on it atm) or even a 29+ rohloff rear

[Richard G]

The rear wheel on old faithful has an inch of play from side to side...

If it fails whilst I'm out then I'm just going to have to walk to the pub.

[Richard G]

I have mounted tyres!

But I've also realised just how far off I am on actually having a bike ready. Like, not even slightly close. =/

Edit - Maybe I'll have to have my full suss and a massive rucksack as a backup.

[TheBrownDog]

Rich that sounds like a plan. If push comes to shove, dont bring a shelter - we'll find you a spot in one of Sam's buildings.

[Richard G]

Cheers, but I've not given up yet. Just have to hope that work isn't particularly insane the next few days!

[Zippy]

Forecast looks like rain. I'd really like some shelter, coz I'm soft

Thanks for the offers of spare wheels and bikes etc. I have a perfectly good wheel - I just need to swap tyre, dis and cassette across - if there are no glitches, this shouldn't be a problem sat AM. Packing shouldn't be that big of a deal - I haven't really unpacked from the Yorkshire Winter Bivvy

[RIP]

"rain" - eh? Says sunny intervals here, and temp gone over 0 overnight. I'm bringing my sunglasses and knotted hanky.

Rich, get that F/S out, it's got 2 wheels and some gears, what more do you need?!

The only decisions I can't make are 1/ Swampthings or MountainKings, 2/ chocolate or peanut chewie bars.

[Richard G]

I've got full on knobbly bobblies on mine. I figure I definitely don't need to go quickly, but grip in the mud might be helpful.

[Zippy]

but grip in the mud might be helpful.

Grip is overrated - I've had a great time riding on sheet ice recently - the buzz from making it out the other side still upright is addictive I might even have gone as far as actively choosing the iced up roads on my commute yesterday!

[Richard G]

I injure myself enough without actively inviting it.

Unrelated... are people carrying stoves and the like? I normally wouldn't for a single night, but I have no idea when we're planning on stopping / if there's somewhere to go for breakfast etc.

[RIP]

Good question. Personally am taking me usual 22g stove + porage + ovaltine. I think Sam's got rid of his AGA, so you'll need your own gear if breaking-your-fast on site. But last year we nipped into a cafe in Wendover for "late brekkie" (had cooked stuff, cakes, whatever), which I think is about 1.5 hours after leaving The Spot. Then another 1.5 hours back to Tring.

[Dr Nick]

Wendover was only one and a half hours via the scenic route!

I believe some of us took the direct route to breakfast #2 in Wendover...

[Richard G]

I've spent so much time packing super light for events lately that I've just realised... I no longer have a clue how to pack for comfort.

#TMS

[RIP]

I think this type of thing would probably be the sort of comfortable image to project?

[Richard G]

I need a trailer!

[MuddyPete]

Unrelated... are people carrying stoves and the like? I normally wouldn't for a single night, but I have no idea when we're planning on stopping / if there's somewhere to go for breakfast etc.

I never go out anywhere without first having breakfast.

Even if I'm simply going out for breakfast...

Reg - I believe it could be a tad nippy this weekend. You may need a thicker pair of silk pyjamas.

[Richard G]

Bah, forecast now for rain.

[TheBrownDog]

Forecast keeps changing but my money is on it raining all afternoon and evening. Oh well, at least it'll also be cold and windy. Just makes for a better story.

For the avoidance of doubt, meeting time at Tring Station is 2pm ... that's 2pm, not 1pm.

And a reminder about money matters - I'd really appreciate it if everyone can pass me a crisp £10 note at Tring to cover the deposit, and also bring at least another £25 in cash to pay the balance of your meals/tip. We don't want to have to juggle half a dozen cards when time comes to settling up. Drinks are to be paid for as you go.

[Richard G]

I'm hoping to make the Berkhamsted start. Might as well make the most of it.

Not that I'm packed, or have a bike right now... but I've got everything in one place to try and get ready.

[benp1]

Hmmm, not sure what to wear now... if the forecast gets any wetter I'll wear a paramo top, I reckon it's cold enough to warrant it

[Bearbonesnorm]

Hmmm, not sure what to wear now

Are you going bivvying or clubbing?

[benp1]

We can't all pull off the rubber ring look you know